Initial Report

Ibex Neck Gaiter

Date: March 6, 2005

Reviewer Information

Name: Jim Sabiston
Age: 50
Height: 6' 3" (1.9 m)
Weight: 207 lb (94 kg)
Neck Size: 17.5 in (44.5 cm)
Email address: JimSabis(at)aol(dot)com
State: New York
Country: USA

Backpacking Background:

I've been camping since my teens. My outdoor activities include backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and cross country skiing. I have expanded my backpacking to include winter mountaineering, back country skiing and ski backpacking. I have received winter mountaineering training with Chauvin International Climbing Guides. I actively study ways to backpack lighter and more efficiently. During the summer months, my style tends toward very light, but not quite ultralight. I use a hammock or tarp for warm weather, and a small four season tent for winter trips. Most of my other gear is very changeable, as I am constantly experimenting with gear and techniques.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Ibex
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL: www.ibexwear.com

Manufacturers Specifications:

Fabric: 100% Merino Wool
Size: Large
Dimensions (laid flat on the table): 7 in (18 cm) X 10 in (25 cm)
Weight:
            Manufactures: 2.2 oz (62 g)
           As Measured: 2.25 oz (64.5)
Color: Red Rock/Graphite
Price: $20 US

Product Description:

The Ibex Neck Gaiter is a fabric tube intended to be slipped over the head and worn around the neck as an insulating garment. All Ibex products are made of wool and the Neck Gaiter is no exception. The Gaiter is actually comprised of two layers, an outer layer of rust colored wool and an inner layer of softer wool in a dark charcoal color. The inner and outer layers use different weaves: “100% Merino wool; dense knit outer surface, interlock interior surface” to quote the web site. The inner and outer layers are connected at the top and bottom of the tube, where both layers are sewn through with a single row of straight stitching. The only additional stitching is at the front of the Gaiter. Two rows of flat stitching form an open bottomed ‘V’ which frames the stitched Ibex logo on the front center of the Gaiter. This pattern is repeated on the inner layer without the logo. The logo on the front of the Gaiter is sewn in the same dark charcoal as the interior wool layer.

The Ibex Neck Gaiter is stretchy in the horizontal direction (across the tube) but not in the vertical. This is necessary for the Gaiter to fit over one’s head while returning to a relatively snug fit around the neck. There is a pair of small tags sewn into the rear of the inner layer. The top tag gives sizing information (L in this case) and states that the Gaiter is made in the USA of imported fabrics. The second tag, sewn directly under the first, states that the Gaiter is made of ‘100% Superwash Merino wool exclusive of trim’. This information is followed by washing instructions.

Initial Impressions:

The Ibex Neck Gaiter arrived wrapped in clear, protective plastic. When removed from the packaging, the only other item found was a small hang tag. One side had the Ibex logo along with the Ibex name and the words Wool Ibextremeties. The flip side contained the following wording: “Our line of purpose-built accessories puts our very best materials where they’re needed most. Functioning as part of an Ibex wool system, Ibextremeties insure you’ll not only be comfortable at the core, you’ll also be comfortable in the extreme.”

The Ibex Neck Gaiter is not much more than a simple tube that fits around the neck for warmth. The materials are all natural, being made exclusively of merino wool. The feel of the material is quite pleasant and feels different than the more common fleece gaiters I’ve used. The feel is one of quality. The Ibex Neck Gaiter is a bit heavier than the fleece gaiter I use, which weighs in at 2 oz (57 g), even though it is cut a bit smaller than the fleece gaiter. This is due to the denser wool material, which also contributes to the wonderful feel of the fabric. I placed the fabric over my mouth to see if I could breathe through it. I was able to, but the wool material is dense enough to make this a bit difficult. This bodes well for the Gaiter’s wind resistance.

The straight cut of the top and bottom is unlike my other gaiter as well. This will limit how far up my face I can pull the gaiter without exposing my neck. On the other hand, I expect it will also cause less bunching of the gaiters material around my neck when I have to zip up the tall, tight fitting collars that my skiing/climbing shells have. This will be examined during field testing.

The color combination is pleasant in a rather understated way, which I like as I tend to avoid flashy colors. The sewn logo in the front center of the Gaiter is a nice aesthetic touch as well. The Ibex web site states that the Gaiter is reversible and this is theoretically true. However, if worn with the inner charcoal colored side out, it will appear to be inside out unless the sewn-in tags are removed.

Putting the Ibex Neck Gaiter on is certainly simple enough. I just pull it over my head and once it is in position around my neck, I am good to go. An initial check without a jacket on indicates the Gaiter can be pulled up as high as my mouth and lower ears before the bottom starts to life away from my neck. As the Gaiter should make a complete seal around the base of the neck, this is a fairly critical part of the fit. The Gaiter appears to be cut as small as possible while still covering the most important areas of my face, namely my chin and my lower ears.

Test Plan:

I wear a neck gaiter almost daily in the winter, so the Ibex Neck Gaiter will see plenty of use. The primary items I will be checking will be:
 
 - fit under different jackets
 - wind resistance
 - overall comfort
 - durability
 - resistance to pilling
 - warmth
 - packability

Aside from daily use, I frequently use a neck gaiter during winter outings when snowshoeing, skiing and climbing, all of which expose me to cold and windy conditions.